The life of Joseph Haydn
Summary
TLDRFranz Joseph Haydn, born on March 31, 1732, in Austria, is renowned as the 'Father of the Symphony' and the string quartet. Despite being overshadowed by Mozart and Beethoven, Haydn greatly influenced classical music's foundational genres. His lifelong musical journey began as a choirboy, followed by years of self-study and a fruitful career under the Esterházy family. Haydn composed iconic works like the 'Paris' and 'London' symphonies, and the 'Farewell' symphony. His final years in Vienna were marked by public recognition, with his creative spirit lasting until his peaceful death on May 31, 1809.
Takeaways
- 🎶 Franz Joseph Haydn, born on March 31, 1732 in Austria, is celebrated as the 'Father of the Symphony' and the string quartet.
- 📜 Haydn played a key role in establishing the fundamental forms and styles of classical music, influencing later composers like Beethoven and Mozart.
- 👨👦 Though Haydn's fame was overshadowed by composers like Beethoven and Mozart, he remains one of the greatest musicians in history.
- 🎻 Haydn was responsible for shaping the string quartet and symphony during the 18th century, setting the foundation for future classical music.
- 👶 At age 8, Haydn began his musical career as a choirboy at Saint Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, where he gained practical music experience.
- 🎩 Haydn's mischievous behavior and voice change led to his expulsion from the choir school at age 17, leaving him to fend for himself.
- 🎹 Haydn self-taught music theory and composition while working various musical jobs, eventually becoming an assistant to composer Nicola Porpora.
- 🏰 In 1761, Haydn secured a long-term position as court musician for the Esterházy family, where he developed his original musical style.
- 🌍 Haydn gained international recognition, with significant works like the Paris Symphonies and the Seven Last Words of Christ gaining fame abroad.
- 🎼 Haydn's final years were marked by public fame in Vienna, but declining health. He passed away peacefully on May 31, 1809, after playing his last piece, the Emperor's Hymn.
Q & A
Who was Joseph Haydn, and why is he significant in the history of classical music?
-Joseph Haydn, born on March 31, 1732, in Austria, is known as the 'Father of the Symphony' and the string quartet. He was instrumental in creating the fundamental genres of classical music and influenced composers like Mozart and Beethoven.
What did Haydn contribute to the development of the symphony and string quartet?
-Haydn established the forms and styles for the symphony and the string quartet during the 18th century, which became essential foundations for classical music composition.
How was Haydn's fame during his lifetime compared to other composers like Mozart and Beethoven?
-Although Haydn was very influential and respected, his fame was somewhat overshadowed by his close friend Mozart and his apprentice Beethoven. Nonetheless, he is still regarded as one of the greatest musicians of all time.
What was Haydn's early life like, and how did he begin his musical career?
-Haydn was sent to Vienna in 1740 to sing in a church choir and learn music. By age seven, he was invited to serve as a chorister at Saint Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, where he gained practical musical knowledge through performances but received little formal instruction in music theory.
Why was Haydn expelled from the choir school at Saint Stephen's Cathedral?
-Haydn was expelled from the choir school when his voice changed during puberty, and due to an incident where he pranked his fellow choir members by cutting their wigs.
How did Haydn continue his musical education after being expelled from the choir?
-After his expulsion, Haydn pursued a course of self-instruction by studying musical works and theory manuals. He later became the accompanist for the Italian composer Nicola Porpora, who mentored him in composition.
What was Haydn's role with the Esterházy family, and how did this position impact his career?
-In 1761, Haydn was named Kapellmeister (court musician) at the Esterházy family's palace, where he served for nearly 30 years. Isolated from other composers, Haydn was 'forced to become original,' leading to significant creative output.
What were some of Haydn's notable works during his time with the Esterházy family?
-Some of Haydn's famous works from this period include the 'Paris Symphonies' (1785-1786), the original orchestral version of 'The Seven Last Words of Christ' (1786), and the 'Farewell Symphony.'
What was Haydn's connection to England, and how did his career evolve during his time there?
-Haydn became well known in England, where his concerts drew huge crowds. He made multiple trips to London, with his 'London Symphonies' being particularly celebrated during his visits.
How did Haydn's life come to an end, and what were his final moments like?
-Haydn's health declined in his later years, but his creative spirit endured. During the siege of Vienna in 1809, despite the bombardment of his neighborhood, Haydn reassured those around him and played his last piece, the 'Emperor's Hymn,' before passing away peacefully on May 31, 1809.
Outlines
🎼 The Life of Franz Joseph Haydn: Early Beginnings
Franz Joseph Haydn, born on March 31, 1732, in Austria, is recognized as the 'Father of the Symphony' and the string quartet, contributing significantly to classical music. Although his fame was often eclipsed by contemporaries like Beethoven and Mozart, his influence remains significant. Haydn's works helped establish key forms in classical music, particularly the symphony and string quartet. Despite being lesser-known than his peers, his legacy and influence on later composers like Mozart and Beethoven endure. He lived a long, impactful life, starting his musical journey at a young age.
🎶 Choir Boy to Self-Taught Musician
At just seven years old, Haydn moved to Vienna to join the choir at Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, where he spent nine years performing regularly, gaining practical music experience, though he lacked formal training in music theory. Haydn’s mischievous behavior, including a prank on fellow choir members and his voice change during puberty, led to his expulsion at age 17. Left to fend for himself, he took on various musical jobs and studied musical theory independently.
🎵 From Struggling to Thriving: Haydn's Self-Education and Early Career
Haydn's fortunes improved when he met Italian composer Nicola Porpora, who offered him a job as an accompanist in exchange for lessons. With perseverance, Haydn developed his compositional skills. His hard work paid off, and in 1761, he secured a prestigious position as a court musician for the influential Esterházy family, a role that would sustain him for nearly 30 years. Despite being isolated at the Esterházy court, Haydn's originality flourished, and he gained widespread recognition for his compositions.
🎻 Rising Fame and Masterworks
As Haydn's popularity grew, he composed both for the Esterházy family and international commissions, such as the Paris Symphonies (1785–1786). Notable works from this period include the 'Farewell Symphony' and the orchestral version of 'The Seven Last Words of Christ' (1786). His innovative compositions, such as the 'Surprise Symphony,' showcased his mastery of symphonic and chamber music forms, cementing his status as one of the great composers of his time.
🇬🇧 Haydn’s Success in London and Return to Vienna
Haydn's fame extended beyond Austria, particularly in England, where his concerts drew large crowds. In 1794, after being released from his full-time duties with the Esterházy family, Haydn returned to London, further enhancing his international reputation. In 1795, he settled back in Vienna, maintaining part-time work with the Esterházys while enjoying public acclaim. His health began to decline, but his creative spirit remained strong.
⚔️ The Final Years: Resilience and Legacy
In the final years of his life, Haydn endured the Napoleonic siege of Vienna in 1809. As Napoleon's forces bombarded the city, Haydn comforted those around him with his resilience, declaring that no harm would come to them. Despite his failing health, Haydn continued to compose and play music, including his famous 'Emperor’s Hymn.' He passed away peacefully at 12:40 AM on May 31, 1809, leaving behind an enduring legacy.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Franz Joseph Haydn
💡Father of the Symphony
💡String Quartet
💡Esterházy family
💡Vienna
💡Mozart
💡Napoleon’s Siege of Vienna
💡The Seven Last Words of Christ
💡Self-instruction
💡Surprise Symphony
Highlights
Joseph Haydn was born on March 31, 1732, in Austria and is known as the 'Father of the Symphony' and the string quartet.
Haydn's fame was overshadowed by other great composers like Beethoven and Mozart, but he is still regarded as one of the greatest musicians ever.
He was influential in shaping the symphony and string quartet forms during the 18th century, mentoring composers like Beethoven.
Haydn's early musical education began in Vienna, where he sang in the choir of Saint Stephen's Cathedral and acquired practical music knowledge through performances.
He was expelled from the choir at age 14 due to a prank and his changing voice, which left him with no formal support at age 17.
Despite limited formal education, Haydn undertook self-instruction, studying musical works and theory manuals to improve his skills.
A fortunate meeting with Italian composer Nicola Porpora provided Haydn with guidance in composition and a role as an accompanist.
In 1761, Haydn was named Kapellmeister (court musician) for the Esterházy family, a position that financially supported him for 30 years.
During his time with the Esterházy family, Haydn was isolated from other composers, which led him to develop an original style of composition.
Haydn's international reputation grew, with notable works such as the Paris Symphonies (1785–1786) and The Seven Last Words of Christ (1786).
He composed famous works such as the 'Farewell Symphony' and the 'Surprise Symphony,' known for their inventive elements.
Haydn's 'London Symphonies' and other works attracted large audiences during his visits to England.
Haydn returned to Vienna in 1795, continuing part-time work for the Esterházy family while enjoying fame as a public figure in the city.
As his health declined, his creative output slowed, but he remained a beloved public figure, even during the siege of Vienna by Napoleon's forces.
Haydn passed away peacefully at 12:40 a.m. on May 31, 1809, shortly after playing his last piece, the 'Emperor's Hymn.'
Transcripts
[Music]
france joseph haydn
was born on march 31 1732 in austria
the great composer is known as the
father of the symphony
and the string quartet he was among the
creators of the fundamental genres of
classical music
although his fame was overshadowed by
other composers like beethoven and
mozart
he is still one of the greatest
musicians to have ever lived
his influence upon later composers
cements
his close friend mozart and his
apprentice beholden
he established the forms and styles for
the string quartet
and a symphony during the 18th century
although one like bozart and beethoven
he lived a full life that torturing
position
was not in 1740 the young haiden was
sent off by his parents in vienna
and sang in a church choir learned to
play vargas instruments and obtain a
good basic knowledge of music
when he was seven the musical director
of saint stephen's cathedral in vienna
invited him to serve as character at the
austrian capital's most important church
he stayed at the choir school for nine
years
acquiring an enormous practical
knowledge of music
by constant performances but to his
disappointment
receiving little instruction in music
theory
when he was 14 he pranked his fellow
choir mates
and cut their wig he also reached
puberty at this point
so his voice changed and so with these
reasons
he was expelled from the church choir
and choir school
with no money and few possessions hayden
at 17 was left to his own devices
he went through with all musical jobs
meanwhile
he undertook a course of
self-instruction through the study of
musical works
and of leading manuals of musical theory
a fortunate chance brought him the
attention of the italian composer
and singer teacher nicola porpora
who accepted him as an accompanist for
voice lesson
and corrected hayden's compositions with
persistence and energy
hayden made progress
hayden soon became an assistant to
composer nikola purpura in exchange for
lessons
and in 1761 he was named cable meister a
court musician at the palace of the
influential
hazy family a position that will
financially support him for nearly 30
years
isolated at the palace from other
composers and musical trends
he was as he put it forced to become
original
while haydn rose in the easter hazy
family's esteem
his popularity outside the palace walls
also increased
and he eventually wrote as much music
for publication as for the family
several important works of this period
were commissions from abroad
such as the paris symphonies 1785 to
1786
and the original orchestral version of
the seven last words of christ
1786
haydn's famous works include the
farewell symphony in which there were
string quartets
and instruments that get quieter as the
performance continues
[Music]
while there being a surprise symphony at
the end
he also has some other great works like
the london symphonies
and the serenade
[Music]
already well known and appreciated in
england
haydn's concerts drew huge crowds he
would return to london
again in 1794 when a new esther hazy
prince
let hayden go
hayden returned to vienna in 1795 and
took up his former position with the
esther hazes
although only part-time at this point
he was a public figure in vienna he was
making frequent public apperances
with his health feeling his creative
spirit outlasted his ability to harness
it
during the siege of vienna on 89
napoleon's forces overtook the city
they launched an attack and bombarded
his neighborhood rattling the windows
and doors of his house
he called out in a loud voice to his
alarmed and frightened people
don't be afraid children rahidan is no
harm can reach you
but before hayden took his last breath
and entered the kwara halls of heaven
he played his last peace the emperor's
hymn from morning until midnight
in which later he died peacefully in his
deathbed
on 12 40 am may 31 18
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